How to Properly Care for Your Bedding

If you find yourself wanting to drift off to sleep during the day, it’s essential to reassess your sleeping arrangements. This might mean going to bed earlier, or taking better care of your bedding to ensure it’s providing the comfort you need from it.

It’s important to know the right way to wash, dry and store bedding – after all, your bed is where you spend nearly a third of your life. Here are some simple tips from Bianca to help you care for and maintain your bedding.

Sheets

It’s vital to wash your sheets every week to remove dirt and dust. To remove tough stains, use oxygenated bleach combined with warm water. Don’t use hot water, as this can shrink the fibres and cause the sheets to fade. For drying, tumble dry or hang naturally near heat. To avoid mildew growth, ensure the sheets are completely dry before storing them away. It’s best to keep them stored in a cool closet or drawer that’s lined with acid-free tissue paper to prevent the fabric from turning yellow.

Pillows

Pillows can collect a lot of allergens from your hair and body oils, which is why it’s important to use pillow protectors to preserve their longevity. Pillow protectors and cases should be washed once a week, and pillows themselves should be washed at least twice a year. For drying, feathered pillows can be washed on an air cycle or low heat setting. Ensure no feathers are bunched, as dampness in pillows can cause mould. Stomach sleepers should choose soft pillows, while back sleepers need a medium to firm pillow to reduce neck strain. If you sleep on your side, medium pillows are recommended.

Duvets

Filled with feathers, wool or synthetic alternatives, duvets are ideal for keeping you warm at night. However, all duvets should have a cover that protects it from dust, dirt, oil and bacteria. The cover should be washed once a week, while the actual duvet can be washed twice a year. If your washing machine can’t handle the size of a duvet, take it to a professional cleaner. If your duvet is properly taken care of, it should last around 20 years. Replace it when it begins to look limp or flat.

Mattress

Most mattresses don’t need flipping, but if you sleep alone or one person is heavier than the other, your mattress might need to be flipped every six months to ensure your weight is distributed across the bed. High-quality mattresses should last over 20 years, but if you begin to wake up sore, it may need replacing sooner due to losing its cushioning or having worn out springs.